I'm not here to defend or debate that this was part of  LDS history. Nor do I have all of the answers as to why this was considered church policy for so long. However I can tell you that, today, Mormons are happy that such a policy is no longer in effect, and are thrilled to know that all blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are equally available to God's children -- and rightly so.

I became a practicing Mormon in June of 1977, right out of high school -- I was 17 at the time. I knew absolutely nothing about a priesthood ban for Black members of the LDS Church. It was not an issue being discussed at the time. A year later I vividly remember hearing on the radio, while at work, about the revelation that would now give the priesthood to all worthy male members of the LDS Church. I quickly learned how significant this revelation was and I, too, rejoiced for those who had waited patiently for the ban to be lifted! I continue to be humbled when I hear the many stories of faith in the face of what, no doubt, felt wrong to Mormons of African decent.

I have a very cherished memory that left an indelible mark upon my soul. Following the revelation on Blacks and the priesthood, only a few weeks later, I was in the Los Angeles temple -- in preparation to being sealed. Like many first-time temple goers I don't remember a lot.  What I do remember, vividly, was a sweet temple worker pulling me aside, and pointing, to make sure I understood and realized that the first Black male (in the Los Angeles temple) was taking out his endowments!  She even told me his name, Alan Cherry. I've never forgotten his name, nor will I. The significance of that solemn occasion, as the spirit bore witness to me that it was, has remained with me since.

I, like many others, have spent considerable time over the years researching the origin, doctrine and history of why blacks were restricted from having the priesthood. I've also grappled with the possibility and question: Are Mormons racist? My personal experience would not indicate so, nor would, I believe, the majority of Mormon adults living today. Ours is a very different experience than previous generations.

Consider this definitive statement at the April 2006 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by then President Gordon B. Hinckley:

Racial strife still lifts its ugly head. I am advised that even right here among us there is some of this. I cannot understand how it can be. It seemed to me that we all rejoiced in the 1978 revelation given President Kimball. I was there in the temple at the time that that happened. There was no doubt in my mind or in the minds of my associates that what was revealed was the mind and the will of the Lord.

Now I am told that racial slurs and denigrating remarks are sometimes heard among us. I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ. How can any man holding the Melchizedek Priesthood arrogantly assume that he is eligible for the priesthood whereas another who lives a righteous life but whose skin is of a different color is ineligible? 

Throughout my service as a member of the First Presidency, I have recognized and spoken a number of times on the diversity we see in our society. It is all about us, and we must make an effort to accommodate that diversity. 

Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children. 

Brethren, there is no basis for racial hatred among the priesthood of this Church. If any within the sound of my voice is inclined to indulge in this, then let him go before the Lord and ask for forgiveness and be no more involved in such. (Italics added for emphasis)

In my opinion, this single statement should make it very clear where the LDS Church stands on racism, today. Members, to whom this counsel was directed, that have any supposed reason for such thoughts and feelings are told that they have "no basis" for such. Personally, I take that to mean doctrine as well.

UPDATE 2/29/12: 


From the LDS Newsroom - Official Statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Book of Mormon states, “black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). This is the Church’s official teaching. 

People of all races have always been welcomed and baptized into the Church since its beginning. In fact, by the end of his life in 1844 Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opposed slavery. During this time some black males were ordained to the priesthood. At some point the Church stopped ordaining male members of African descent, although there were a few exceptions. It is not known precisely why, how or when this restriction began in the Church, but it has ended. Church leaders sought divine guidance regarding the issue and more than three decades ago extended the priesthood to all worthy male members. The Church immediately began ordaining members to priesthood offices wherever they attended throughout the world. 

The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church. Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children.” 

Recently, the Church has also made the following statement on this subject: 

“The origins of priesthood availability are not entirely clear. Some explanations with respect to this matter were made in the absence of direct revelation and references to these explanations are sometimes cited in publications. These previous personal statements do not represent Church doctrine.”"

Source: LDS Newsroom


The Church issued the following statement today in response to news media

"The positions attributed to BYU professor Randy Bott in a recent Washington Post article absolutely do not represent the teachings and doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU faculty members do not speak for the Church. It is unfortunate that the Church was not given a chance to respond to what others said. 

The Church’s position is clear—we believe all people are God’s children and are equal in His eyes and in the Church. We do not tolerate racism in any form. 

For a time in the Church there was a restriction on the priesthood for male members of African descent. It is not known precisely why, how, or when this restriction began in the Church but what is clear is that it ended decades ago. Some have attempted to explain the reason for this restriction but these attempts should be viewed as speculation and opinion, not doctrine. The Church is not bound by speculation or opinions given with limited understanding. 

We condemn racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church."

For more on the Washington Post article see Deseret News report here.

Source: LDS Newsroom

(I'm not even going to try and commentate on these statements. I think it is clarification enough of where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its members, stand on the issue of racism and Blacks and the priesthood.)



Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons is an independent documentary that I would highly recommend to anyone sincerely interested in gaining a better understanding as to why the Priesthood was, for a period of time, withheld from Black members of the LDS Church.  The documentary does an excellent job of giving the known facts and putting them into a cultural perspective. 

The Documentary Channel owns the rights to this film and currently shows it about once a month.  You can also "Watch it Now" online.  The option to purchase the DVD is also available.